Funding of up to €20,000 for the thatching of buildings, covering up to 80% of total cost of works, has been announced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Any historic thatched structure, including domestic or commercial properties, is eligible.

Over €600,000 in funding was allocated for thatched buildings across the country last year.

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The scheme will be operated by local authorities, and each will be allocated a fixed amount from the overall fund, determined by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS)

Grants of between €2,500 and €50,000 are available for the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Acts.

Funding is available of up to 80% of the cost of doing approved work.

Eligible buildings include protected and proposed protected structures, structures in Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs), vernacular buildings and historic shopfronts.

Applications are made to the local authority and will be assessed by an expert panel based on significance of the structure, efficacy of the works, quality of works proposed and public amenity.

Historic Structures Fund (HSF)

To focus on larger projects, the Department of Funding of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has announced funding of €50,000 to €200,000, 50% of eligible costs for the Historic Structures Fund in 2027.

Structures which can avail of this must demonstrate a clear community or public or residential benefit.

Where there is no community or public benefit, or for smaller scale works, it is advised to apply to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS).

Qualifying works for the HSF include roofs, rainwater disposal, external walls, windows, doors and associated elements, interiors, temporary works to reduce the risk of collapse and on historic ruins - works to stabilise masonry.

Closing dates

The closing date for applications to local authorities is 30 October 2026 for the BHIS and HTB, and 27 November 2026 for the HSF.

The three schemes are funded by the department through the National Built Heritage Service (NBHS) and operated by local authorities.

Over €12m was allocated in 2026 to more than 700 projects.

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan, encouraged owners of eligible historic properties to apply for the grants available to help them maintain their properties.

“I have visited many projects that have received funding under the BHIS and HSF over the last year, and I am consistently amazed to see the level of skill and craftsmanship being used to secure these buildings for future generations.

“This can only happen with the dedication of the owners and their local communities, and I look forward to seeing the range of projects that will be submitted for our 2027 grants.”